Khujuraho is very much known for its Erotic sculpture temples and I wasn't surprised when I found Kamasutra books and erotic souvenirs on sale right outside the temple . Located in MadhyaPradesh Khujuraho is land of Architectural marvel dating back to 12th century . Famous for group of majestic temples of nagara style architecture built by the Chandela Dynasty. Khujuraho got its name due to the presence of date/ palms trees ( khajura - vahika ). Khujuraho has become a major touristy place in MadhyaPradesh. They are now a UNESCO world heritage site. These temples have richly carved statues , while they are famous for erotic sculpture , sexual theme covers only 10% of the temple sclupture.
We took a train from Nizamudin Railway station from Delhi to Khujuraho. It was an overnight journey by three girls on their budget trip. Talking about the train ride , it was a sleeper train , freaking damn cold night. We didn't sleep properly , a child was crying whole night and early morning , she was playing " papa kehta on song " on repeat.
We checked into moustache hostel.( Pretty decent hostel ). After a quick shower and breakfast , we were all set for our first day. Places to see were ( Western group of temples , Eastern part , Southern part, two Museums ( Archeological and Tribal ) ,Raneh water fall , tiger park , sunset point and the village tour.
Khujuraho temples follow a grid geometrical design and symmetrical . The core of the temple called garbhagriya , where the main deity dwell. The shikara rises above the garbhagriya. The mandapas and the art forms were repeating symmetry , yet they were distinctive. Famous temples -
Eastern Group : The kandariya Mahadevi temple ( the largest temple of Khujuraho of medival period, Main deity Shiva ) , Vamana temple ( dedicated to Vishnu ) , Brahmana temple ( made up of granite and sandstone ), Adjnath , parsvanath and shantinath were the famous Jain temples .
Southern group :
Duladeo temple ( probably the last temple built in 12th century) , chatra buhi temple.
Western group: The most prominent one , it is highly advice to look for guide to get to know in detail about this rich temples. ( This govt. Guide charged us 1000 bucks for three people). Temples includes Chusath yogini temple on the side of small artificial shivsagar tank . It is the most oldest temple in Khujuraho. Dedicated to kali and female yoginis.
Matangesvara temple ( the only alive temple where people still worship , an enormous linga enshrined in the sanctum, Varaha temple ( visnu's Varaha or boar )carved out of a monolithic sandstone , Lakshamana temple, one of the most beautiful temple carved with shell and floral motifs and the most famous among all Kandriya mahavdevi temple , mahavdevi and the vishwanth temple follows.
After a whole day exploring the temples we had our lunch and went to see one of the most beautiful sunsets of our lives. An auto ride to the hill via village with green fields everywhere , herds of cattle blocking your way, away from the city's traffic and chaos it was the best gateway of our lives. We reached to the top and were overwhelmed by the 360° view and the golden hour was the best thing. We were dancing , singing and were enjoying the moment .
The evening was followed by a Tribal dance show by MadhyaPradesh Tourism.
For our second day we took a long auto ride of 22 km from Khujuraho to Raneh fall through the rural Khujuraho , with fields running as far as our eyes can see and empty roads. Raneh fall is a part of Panna National park , so we had to arrange a forest guide had to pay forest entry fees . When we reached we were left awestrucked by the " Indian version if the grand canyon " and the Raneh fall. We were literally screaming and were so happy to be there. Raneh fall was named after king Rane Pratap. The unique features of the canyon made that place more special. The canyon was formed due to volcanic eruptions long time back and it was abode to Kavarati river also known as Ken river . Canyon was made up of igneous rocks (granite and dolomite ) Like all the other places in Khujuraho there were very less tourists or visitors. These were lesser known destinations. Even in the market we found very less tourists and everything was underrated and locals were very humbled and kind . Few kilometers away from the Canyon there was also a Tiger reserve.
The rest afternoon was spent on hopping Museums , one ASI ( Archeological Survey of India ) and another Tribal Museum followed by a village tour where we interact with the locals , danced with the locals kids and had so much fun. Sadly we had to leave the place as another destination was waiting for us. Next stop Orchaa !! See you all in the Orcha blog !
